1. Japan

2. Geography Japan is an Archipelago Only 20% of the land is arable
A group or chain of islands
Only 20% of the land is arable
land suitable for farming
Sea provides most of the food for Japan
Since Japan is small, land and resources are very important

3. Geography continued
Because it’s a archipelago (a chain of islands) Japan was isolated from Europe
Japan was influenced by the Chinese
Writing system and language

4. Japanese Feudalism
Emperor
Daimyo & Shogun
Samurai
Peasants
Merchants

5. Emperor Head of Japanese civilization in name only.
Had no real power
Modeled after the Chinese system of emperor.
Emperor

6. Shogun and Daimyo Shogun- Powerful military leader; he ruled Japan
Practiced Zen Buddism
Daimyo (Nobility) - Local lords in Japan who controlled territories
They owned the land
Shogun & Daimyo

7. Samurai Samurai - Warriors who were hired to protect the daimyo's land
In return, they received wealth and power
Samurai

8. Peasants Farmers, Fishermen, and craftsmen
The largest group in the hiearchy
Peasants

9. Merchants
Merchants were valued the least because they did not make anything on their own. They bought and sold other peoples goods and creations
Merchants

10. Religion Shintoism, Buddhism, and Zen Buddhism were practiced in Japan
Many Japanese practice both Shinto and Buddhism

11. Shintoism Based of Nature Everything in nature has Kami—spirits
They built shrines and pray to the Kami for guidance

12. Buddhism Teaches followers to end suffering by ending selfish desires
The teachings of Buddha

13. Zen Buddhism
People who seek wisdom should practice self-discipline and mediation.
Martial Arts practiced Zen Buddhism

14. Art Calligraphy Lacquered Boxes Origami Tanka Poetry –poerty
similar to haiku